Stingray prototype sails on USS Nimitz for America’s 250th

Supporting the nation’s anniversary, the display showcases MQ-25A as a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s future carrier air wing.

June 29, 2026 in Defense

Boeing’s MQ-25A T1 prototype positioned alongside F/A-18 Super Hornets aboard the USS Nimitz. The aircraft features a special “Boeing Backs America” mark highlighting Boeing’s support for U.S. aviation. Boeing’s MQ-25A T1 prototype (top right) positioned alongside F/A-18 Super Hornets aboard the USS Nimitz. The aircraft features a special “Boeing Backs America” mark highlighting Boeing’s support for U.S. aviation. (U.S. Navy photo)

Boeing’s MQ-25A T1 prototype is on display aboard the USS Nimitz during its voyage to New York Harbor to participate in International Naval Review 250 ― part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration ― on the Fourth of July.

Why it matters: The Boeing-owned MQ-25A T1 prototype served as the demonstrator for the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray™ program, and the display highlights the Stingray as a critical part of the Navy’s carrier air wing of the future.

Catch up quick: First flown in 2019, T1 completed 36 test flights and became the first unmanned aircraft in history to refuel another aircraft.

The big picture: The MQ-25A Stingray is the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is designed to extend the range of the carrier air wing through autonomous aerial refueling.

By Jarrett Heckert